The Howlite Clan (Howl-light Clan)
Ever Growing Prosperity
The Howlite Clan:
The Howlite clan are the keepers of Myserth forest and protectors of the regions, Ciavala and Phiseqar. Known for their diligence and compassion, the clan keep the regions to the highest standards as requested by House M'ithai and will not tolerate insurgence of any kind. The full force stands at 1500 strong and counting. Everyone within the clan understands the importance of duty and nourishment. The one rule is 'to preserve all connected to nature.'
Both elf and elfa alike are recruited by the Howlite Clan as it does not discriminate against gender; however, it is more diverse than the Varcanai Guard. The clan is generally open to accepting new elves, but the laws of the land do not permit outsiders to join; therefore, the clan abides by them at all costs, recruiting native high elves only. During elflinghood, elves are hand-selected by the wardens to train within the Myserth Gardens as a part of their national service. Still, the wardens prepare them for the harsh training if they choose to continue military service. There are three divisions to the Howlite Clan, which contribute to the military force overall:
- Sorrow's Stem
- Vein's Strike
- The Twin Petals
Composition
Manpower
Patrols:
Patrols within the regions of Ciavala and Phiseqar vary according to the place:
- Ciavala: Ciavala consists of ten keepers surrounding the Village of Phray, two keepers protecting the ports and dock, two keepers protecting the Prothemia A'da Martidem statue, and twenty keepers protecting the Myserth Gardens, Hall, Mines, and Treasury.
- Phiseqar: Phiseqar consists of twenty-six alternating keepers working in pairs within the high trees to oversee the Myserth forest. The Divine pagoda always has four experienced keepers atop the structure, keeping a lookout. The Twin Dragon courtyard entrance has two keepers standing guard.
- Sorrow's Stem Division: This division comprises 500 keepers who wield a 5ft 5-inch tall javelin. It is 3-cm wide from the centre to the tip. The keepers of this division can throw up to 120 yards while the wardens can throw up to 150. They're commonly known for their long-distance lunges, which proves to be effective on the battlefield but also handy during close combat. They are often located to the sides of the clan's force.
- Vein's Strike Division: This division comprises the more experienced keepers who have mastered the art of precision and accuracy. With less than 100 members, the members are exclusively trained by the wardens who push the keepers to limits they weren't even aware they had. These members use Ayikuphs (three-headed daggers), three-pointed shurikens, and thin saer throwing discs. This group is the stealth unit known for its exceptional scouting abilities.
- The Twin Petals Division: This division comprises over 1000 members who wield dual katanas with old elvish, L'aiavanto, inscribed on each of them. One katana says, 'I am a protector of the living,' and the other says, 'I am a keeper of the forest.' The Katanas are 30 inches in height, and the blade is curved with a single edge. The division is often used at the front lines. This group is commonly located on the front lines and are the first to face combat.
Equipment
Patrol Equipment:
Due to the Howlite Clan primarily remaining within the lands of Aethel Caeloria, the keepers have no reason to bring any special equipment with them when patrolling. The most they will carry with them are Ayikuph's and throwing discs. Once night appears, lanterns are brought to illuminate the night.
Armour:
Each rank within the Howlite Clan wear the same armour but have one item that differentiates them from other positions:
- The Keepers: A tight white and tanned padded tunic with black Nagtaive patterns embroidered on the face of it. Over the shoulders and down to the waist is thin saer chainmail with a two-layered leather brown belt with thin throwing discs attached. On the sides of the belt are the sheaths for the respective weapon(s). A thin layer of noise-reducing leather is underneath the chainmail, providing keepers with silent movement within the trees. Over the right shoulder is a short torn black and brown cloak used for camouflage. They also have brown hooded cowls with crimson red face wraps embroidered with silver around the edges. This cowl is often covered in leaves or mud to blend in with the environment of the forest.
- The Wardens: Wardens have the same armour, only their chainmail is crimson red, and they have saer half-cut facial armour (a mask) that takes the form of one of the two Aegean Serpents.
- The Principal: The Principal has the same armour; only his chainmail is golden. Instead of a cowl, he has golden full-face facial armour that takes the form of one of the two Aegean Serpents.
Weaponry
Patrol Weaponry:
Patrols only wield Ayikuphs and throwing discs when out on patrols, often leaving their hands free to assist the elves and any creatures in need of assistance.
Division Weaponry:
Each division uses different weaponry. Below are the types of weapons utilised:
Sorrow's Stem:
- Javelins: An 5-foot, 5-inch tall, dark red spear with golden Warnhelm patterns along the shaft. It is 3cm from the centre to the tip. Each end is sharp, and the centre of the shaft has a tanned leather grip. A black leather back harness comes with the javelin, tight enough for the javelin to fit in and take out.
- Ayikuphs: A dagger with three heads (two alternate blades that click in and out of place at the side of the dagger). The dagger is twelve inches long, with two smaller golden blades that protrude outwards. The grip is laced with red leather, and the fuller is one thick golden line that reaches down to the point. The sheath is brown leather with buckles.
- Shurikens: Three-pointed thin saer geometrical throwing stars that have sharp edges. Each keeper has 100 shurikens in a leather pouch and is equipped with padded, thin finger gloves to prevent getting cut when reaching for them and throwing them. The diameter of this weapon is 3.30 inches.
- Throwing Discs: These are thin disc-shaped weapons with a sharp circumference. Each keeper has 20-40 discs attached to their belt (attached in two layers). The diameter of this weapon is 2.30 inches.
- Dual Katanas: These curved blades are 30 inches in height with a single edge. The blade has no pommel. It has a red leather grip with a Warnhelm head golden crossguard. The blade itself is smooth saer with intricate golden patterns around the edges. Within each fuller is the old elvish phrase, 'I am a protector of the living,' and 'I am a keeper of the forest.' The sheath is light grey with a golden tassel attached to the mouth. The sheath is often covered with leaves for camouflage reasons.
- Ayikuphs
- Shurikens
- Dual katanas
- Javelins
- Throwing discs.
Vehicles
Generally, all elves of Aethel Caeloria use a few creatures for various reasons:
- Horses: These are used as transportation over short and long distances.
- The Nagtaive: An avian mammal used to deliver letters and small packages to elves over long distances.
- The F'itidana: It's common for the F'itidana (Fit-e-darn-ah) of Myserth Hall to carry local and short distance messages.
- Wagons: Wagons are utilised for carrying the more extensive resources, including chests, barrels of alcohol, traders tools, finances, tools and equipment, and sometimes elves for transport purposes; however, the Howlite Clan doesn't need these most of the time.
Structure
The Ranking System: While the Howlite Clan is officially one army, there is a formal structure to its ranks:
- The Principal: This elf is called Hikari and oversees the entire clan, ensuring its members are updated with modern and traditional fighting techniques. He also receives reports on the welfare and general state of the two Myserth shrines deep within the forest.
- The Wardens: These wardens are the secondary leaders that stand alongside the Principal and impart their knowledge to the keepers. These wardens are Emi, Aki, Rin, and Takara.
- Official Keepers: These elves have undergone basic training and are specially trained with different wardens, pursuing their goal in one of the three divisions. Their experience is also utilised for patrols.
- Practising Keepers: These elves have been recruited from the Varcanai Guard's National Service or are hand-selected from the Village of Phray to undergo training with them.
- Training Elflings: These elflings are exclusively hand-selected to train within the Myserth Gardens with the Wardens. They endure vigorous training and then harsh training later if they decide to continue military work.
Training
The elves of Myserth Hall go through advanced training from birth and are trained by each warden throughout their lives. Below is what each warden teaches:
- Hikari: Hand picks the elflings to undergo training. He oversees the 1-1 training of the official keepers atop the sacred pagoda, the wardens training, and primarily supervises the Vein's Strike division; however, he is known to oversee all training as the principal. He is a master in the use of dual katanas. Due to many elflings heading straight into the Howlite Clan from birth, he also teaches the elflings the ways of the world, mannerisms, moral qualities, and more to integrate into society without being deemed as uneducated or rude.
- Emi: She teaches the elflings chosen to train within the Myserth Gardens. As a master of precision, she also teaches practising keepers the art of precise, accurate shuriken throwing.
- Aki: She teaches the practising keepers how to do parkour (basic and advanced) and is a master of dual Ayikuphs.
- Rin: He teaches the elflings chosen to train within the Myserth Gardens but also teaches practising keepers the art of making poison and hallucinogenic liquids for throwing discs. He is a master of throwing discs over short distances.
- Takara: He is a master of the javelin and is very accurate in his targeting. He teaches practising and official keepers how to throw a javelin over long distances and how to use it in close combat.
- Sorrow's Stem: Takara is the head of this division. Adolescents are commonly chosen for this division because their upper core strength is exceptional, making them perfect for the position.
- Vein's Strike: Rin and Emi are the heads of this division. The older elves commonly train within this division as it is incredibly challenging to get into. Only the most elite in precision and accuracy are chosen for this group.
- The Twin Petals: Hikari and Aki are the heads of this division. Many adolescents and adults are chosen for this division as many of the techniques used within require an abundant amount of energy and courage.
Logistics
Auxilia
The Hexastix Specifications:
- The Hexastix is a wien wood 72 javelin construction held together by tight saer rope. Each javelin is restrained so tightly that it would fling out with great force once let go. The shape consists of four intersecting tunnels comprising of 18 javelins each.
- It comes with a four-elf pulley system that aggressively forces the spears to project out at high speeds.
- The final shape could be described as a rhombic dodecahedron (a geometric solid bounded by twelve rhombuses).
- A band of heavy-duty saer rope is wrapped around each end of the four hexagonal tubes then used to complete the structure.
- The pulley system is controlled from afar with a strong rope, allowing four keepers to use all their body force to pull backwards. This loosens all the saer rope within the structure and allows for a forceful release.
- The damage this structure can do is phenomenal. With 72 javelins tightly bound, upon release, the javelins dart out at fast speeds, impaling anyone on the ground, in the sky, or long distances away. (Similar to a grenade, but with javelins).
- The Javelins are all 8 feet in length with sharpened ends.
- The javelin is wine red with intricate saer nagtaive patterns along the shaft.
- It reaches speeds of up to 115 mph and can travel through the air at 300 metres.
Upkeep
The Upkeep of the Howlite Clan:
House M'ithai contend to the financial upkeep of the Howlite Clan given that they continue to provide their lands with protection. Unlike the capital, C'avarnia, House M'ithai willingly interacts with the Howlite Clan regardless of differences, appreciating them for all the hard work they do. Grateful for their devotion to the forests and ensuring the high elves of Cialava and Phiseqar are safe, House M'ithai ensures they sort whatever resources, equipment, or assistance they need as a gesture of goodwill and respect for their ongoing service.
Recruitment
The Recruitment:
Principal Hikari must walk the path of the Village of Phray in Ciavala and the Thriving Bulbs Village in Phiseqar to hand-select elflings whom he believes are ready for the training of the Howlite Clan. Some are chosen from birth, while others are selected from the toddler stage.
House M'ithai can travel to House Tythal and C'avarnia to recruit potential elflings who they believe would make great additions to the clan. They tend to look for the more compassionate souls rather than hardy folk. This is because love and compassion are two qualities that are highly favoured within the Howlite Clan and can be developed over time with consistent training.
When adolescent and adult elves want to undergo their national service and live within the regions of Ciavala or Phiseqar, they have the choice of entering the Varcanai Guard or the Howlite Clan. Half often transfer to the capital, while the other half transfer to the Howlite Clan, where they are treated as a family than most armies.
History
The War History of the Howlite Clan:
- The Conqueror's Conquest (213 NE): The Howlite Clan assisted Ithronel M'ithai against the Vithra.
- Blood Waters Gap (209 NE): This is the war Aethel Caeloria was involved in during the War of Faiths, fighting on two fronts. One against the Forsaken Commander, Vivaleth and the other against Eyrashirian soldiers. Otis M'ithai fought in Blood Water's Gap alongside the Howlite Clan, who came to his aid to protect the lands.
- The Dales Disgrace (170 NE): The Howlite Clan fought alongside Otis and Lyrei M'ithai to kill the Dawndale soldiers who assassinated many of their people. Citizens were unaware of Dawndale's need for revenge, so they were mercilessly murdered without remorse.
- Glynrel's Light (146 NE): During the War of Faiths, Imazeal M'ithai wielded Glynrel and fought alongside the Varcanai Guard, Howlite Clan, and Caelorian Incline in a bid to give Aethel Caeloria a second chance at enduring the chaos of the Forsaken.
- The Inconsolable Forlorn (2 VO): Imazeal M'ithai fought during the Inconsolable Forlorn beside Naerynidam Tythal; they became good friends. Imazeal fought bravely, with the Howlite Clan following closely behind him not only as allies but as friends.
- Bloodbane's Ferocity (23 VO): Naerynidam wielded this blade and fought a mighty battle, becoming a vital part of history, winning in the struggle, Bloodsbane's Ferocity. Imazeal M'ithai followed in his footsteps, ensuring he covered his back as a friend would do. The Howlite Clan fought their way through the war, fighting to victory.
- Battle of The Blue Mountain (25 VO): After surviving Bloodsbane's Ferocity, Imazeal fought in the Battle of the Blue Mountain, silencing the Ashen and Forsaken Commanders for eternity alongside the Howlite Clan who refused to give in. The unity and strength of the clan prevailed upon the Forsaken's defeat.
- The Merc's Strike (825 VO): Mercenaries managed to infiltrate Aethel Caeloria and wanted citizenship into the kingdom for their people's vast opportunities. After being summoned by Rhyzeal Aalarelai, they led one hundred keepers of the Howlite Clan to fight against the outsiders. Enlarna and Nymn M'ithai fought in this war together as husband and wife, ensuring no mercenaries entered their lands.
Historical loyalties
Loyalty:
The Howlite is associated with House M'ithai have sworn fealty to them overall; however, because House M'ithai swears fealty to House Aalarelai, it means the Howlite Clan is also loyal to the royal bloodline of Aethel Caeloria.
The Howlite Clan are the keepers of the two regions, Ciavala and Phiseqar, protecting its lands, citizens, forests, and creatures with their lives as a matter of duty. The one rule is 'to preserve all connected to nature.'
The Leading Ranks of the Howlite Clan:
The leader of the Howlite Clan is Principal Hikari. He also has four leading wardens who train and oversee the state of the clan altogether, Emi, Rin, Aki, and Takara. Together, these five elves ensure the clan works to its highest standards, practises modern and traditional techniques, and learns the value of nurture and compassion for all that lives within the forests.
The Three Divisions:
Founding
1675 NE
Dissolution
N/A
Overall training Level
Professional
Assumed Veterancy
Experienced
Parent Formation
Used by
- Sorrow's Stem: Takara is the head of this division, teaching keepers how to utilise javelins in combat.
- Vein's Strike: Rin and Emi are the heads of this division, teaching keepers how to master their precision using shurikens and throwing discs.
- The Twin Petals: Hikari and Aki are the heads of this division, teaching keepers how to utilise dual katanas and ayikuphs in combat effectively.
O' glorious Nelaeryn, ruler of the skies and heavens above, hear your loyal subject. Grant me courage so I might go forth with your name in my heart. I plead this of you as your follower, doing right by your principles. O' carer of nature, atone me with your mercy and bless me with your compassion, for I will tend to both creature and elf in your name as my moral duty to all that bears a beating heart.
I swear to thee: I shall trust in your principles. I will not yearn for more than what I have earned. I will look after my mind and body. I will hear the planet's call and tend to its wishes. I will keep my word to friend and foe alike. I will repay kindness with kindness, ulterior intentions with mercy, and hostility with hostility. Most importantly, I will reflect upon my time within this world and impart my wisdom to the next generation.
Eternal spirit of the forest, protector of all with a living system, hear my words in hours of silence. I request you give me grace and power to do what must be done, o' eternal light. Renew my strength so that I may preserve and save those unable to help themselves. Favour me with your warmth, and I will favour you with my soul.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments